You're Take: The Tesla Model S Controversy

We’ve extensively tested the Tesla Model S’ range, but after one reporter from The New York Times wrote about his experience with the car running out of power, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has taken notice. The Model S review suggests that cold weather negatively impacts range, but Musk has expressed doubts about the reporter’s story.

“Essentially, we think the article is a bit of a set up and is unreasonable” Musk told CNBC.

In the NY Times article, reporter John M. Broder planned a road trip around the EV charging stations newly set up 200 miles apart on Interstate 95, in Newark, Del. and in Milford, Conn. With the Model S’s 265-mile estimated range, Broder didn’t experience range anxiety until after the first charge in Delaware.

Austin.Cooper:Musk is correct about cold weather limiting range on batteries. That's no surprise to anybody. Musk must be frustrated that he hasn't found any good ways around it.

-Dequindre-:+1

The NY Times driver drove like any one of us would. That tells a lot about the Model S' practicality.

Range and lack of charging stations is still a real problem for pure electrics. Tesla is trying to overcome this problem now by setting up their own charging stations http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1209_tesla_supercharger_an_in_depth_look/ It's another advance to make pure electrics more practical. A lot more breakthroughs are still needed though for pure electrics to become as practical as gasoline powered vehicles. And even if that does happen, people will still manage to strand themselves. Even with gas stations all over the place now, motorists still find ways to run out of gas and get stranded.

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